This map shows both the route proposed by George Goodwin and the one by Thomas Vint, which was surveyed by Frank Kittredge. Goodwin's proposal covered areas which were extremely steep. It included grades up to 8% and required many switchbacks, some with a turning radius of only 50 feet. Vint's plan had fewer switchbacks, a maximum grade of 6%, and a turning radius of no less than one hundred feet. Today's interstate highways usually allow only a 3 to 4% grade and a minimum 150 foot radius for curves. The portion of the road between the Loop and Logan Pass runs along the Garden Wall.

Questions for Drawing 1

1. Compare Goodwin's and Vint's proposed routes. What are the most obvious differences? Why would Vint's proposal be better for tourists driving the road?

2. Why do you think the National Park Service selected Vint's proposal? (Refer to reading 3 if necessary.)

3. What is missing from the drawing that would give you a better sense of the difficulties involved in constructing this road?

* The drawing on this screen has a resolution of 72 dots per inch (dpi), and therefore will print poorly. You can obtain a larger version of Drawing 1, but be aware that the file will take as much as 30 seconds to load with a 28.8K modem.